an afternoon in the kitchen

Once a week or so, I get the itch to spend the afternoon (or morning) in the kitchen, stocking up on homemade goodness.  This relatively small investment of time pays big dividends in terms of being able to open the fridge and find yummy and healthy things to eat.  This drives away both boredom and the urge to indulge in less healthy options.

This afternoon I spent about two hours in the kitchen, while the kids were otherwise engaged, and this is what I ended up with:

Mediterranean Salad from Feeding the Whole Family.  I cannot say enough good things about this cookbook.  The author has a website called Cookus Interruptus, with oodles of great recipes, and hilarious how-to videos.

Hummus, from the same cookbook, but the recipe is also listed here.

Banana Bread, always welcome around here for snacks and breakfast.

 Hard boiled eggs, handy for quick breakfasts, lunches and snacks.

And lastly, Cucumber Salad, with cucumbers from our CSA box. (More on the CSA box later.)

Cucumber Salad

• 2 medium cucumbers
• 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 T. sugar
• salt & pepper to taste

Peel and thinly slice cucumbers and place in a medium bowl, preferably one with a lid. Add the rest of the ingredients to the bowl and stir well.  Place in refrigerator to marinate for at least 3 hours.  Stir or shake the bowl occasionally to ensure that all cucumbers are well coated.

I often double or triple this recipe, making enough of the marinade to mostly cover the cucumbers.  Sometimes I also add some sliced onion as well.

All in all, a very satisfying couple of hours.  The kitchen is a mess, yes, but worth it.

What is happening in your kitchen?